For Such A Time As This

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An edict had gone out all across the land. In 11 months the Jews of the diaspora would be "destroyed, killed and annihilated" as ordered by King Xerxes right hand man - the evil Haman.

Dispatches were sent by couriers to all the king's provinces with the order to destroy, kill and annihilate all the Jews—young and old, women and little children—on a single day, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, and to plunder their goods. Esther 3:13

Their hope, a orphan girl named Esther, now Queen of Persia, and their God from whom they had strayed.

As the Jews heard of the death sentence they would be living with for the next 11 months, they spilled out into the streets of every city and province bewildered, weeping and wailing.

Inside the palace, Queen Esther had no clue of the heartbreak that was taking place just outside the walls. She had no idea that she herself would be staring death in the face right along side them.

Her uncle Mordecai sent word to Queen Esther telling her all that had been done. Detail after gut wrenching detail was vivdly explained to her eunuch who in turn brought the message inside the gates to Esther.

She was the one who would have to go to the King and plead for her people. But what he was asking of her was too much. Going before the King without an invitation was prohibited. If he did not show her mercy and extend the gold scepter whe would be immediately killed.

Can you imagine being place in a situation where there was a 50/50 chance you would be immediately beheaded? The consequences were too much! This decision was too hard! The responsibility was too great! What would she do?

Mordecai's response to Esthers words brought clarity to her dire situation. They made her choice become very clear. "Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?"

Esther had a destiny to fulfill and the events of her past and present each played a role in bringing her to this critical crossroad.

• The death of her parents.
• Orphaned at a young age.
• Her adoption by Mordecai.
• Living among the diaspora Jews in Susa.
• Mordecai's position as a Jew in the government.
• The banishment of Queen Vashti
• The search for a new Queen
• Finding favor with the King's eunuch
• Finding favor with the King.
• He was captivated by her.
• She was crowned Queen of Persia.

All of these things and more..., "For such a time as this".

So often we go through life thinking and believing that things "just happen". When in reality, God may be preparing you and I "for such a time as this".

Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21

If God is preparing you for what He has prepared for you, are you ready?

What will your answer be?

Our Best - Far Less

Who doesn't love a wedding? Jesus and His disciples joined His mother and family at a wedding celebration in Cana of Galilee. The hearts and lives of a bride and groom had been joined together in holy matrimony - in the presence of God - literally .

Everyone was enjoying the festivities (see John chapter 2) when the servants began to notice the wine was down to it's last drops. This was a tragedy and would be a disgrace for the newly married groom. Mary gets wind of the situation and goes to her Son Jesus with a plea for His help.

Although Jesus rebukes her gently for her request (due to its timing), He begins giving instructions to the servants. Six stone water jars (holding 20-30 gallons each) were filled to the rim with water. Jesus, then told them, "Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet." And they did just as He directed.

Upon tasting the miraculous wine, the chief servant called the groom over and remarked, Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now."

As I read these words this morning I began to wonder, "What in my life have I thought to be the best, but in reality is just a cheap imitation when compared to what God has for me?" Are there areas where I am settling for less than His best?

I've been working through the Esther study and have been learning about destiny. A young orphan girl, adopted by her male cousin, living in exile, herded into the Kings harem, destined to be queen - destined to save her people.

I don't know about you, but I want to fulfill my destiny. I want Gods best and nothing less.

11 Jesus performed this first sign in Cana of Galilee. He displayed His glory, and His disciples believed in Him.

Father, I want to bring You glory. Keep me from settling for anything less. Esther fulfilled her destiny. Jesus fulfilled His destiny. Lord, I don't want to fall short. Fulfill Your destiny in me.